11. INFORMATION SERVICING
11.19 RECOVERY
When removing refrigerant from a system, either for service or decommissioning, it is recommended good
practice that all refrigerants are removed safely.
When tranferring refrigerant into cylinders, ensure that only appropriate refrigerant recovery cylinders are
employed. Ensure that the correct numbers of cylinders for holding the total system charge are available. All
cylinders to be used are designated for the recovered refrigerant and labelled for that refrigerant(i.e special
cylinders for the recovery of refrigerant). Cylinders shall be complete with pressure relief valve and associated
shut-off valves in good working order.
Empty recovery cylinders are evacuated and, if possible, cooled before recovery occurs.
The recovery equipment shall be in good working order with a set of instructions concerning the equipment that
is at hand and shall be suitable for the recovery of flammable refrigerants. In addition, a set of calibrated
weighing scales shall be available and in good working order.
Hoses shall be complete with leak-free disconnect couplings and in good condition. Before using the recovery
machine, check that it is in satisfactory working order, has been properly maintained and that any associated
electrical components are sealed to prevent ignition in the event of a refrigerant release. Consult manufacturer if
in doubt.
The recovered refrigerant shall be returned to the refrigerant supplier in the correct recovery cylinder, and the
relevant Waste Transfer Note arranged. Do not mix refrigerants in recovery units and especially not in cylinders.
CAUTION
If compressors or compressor oils are to be removed, ensure that they have been evacuated to an acceptable
level to make certain that flammable refrigerant does not remain within the lubricant. The evacuation process
shall be carried out prior to retruning the compressor to the suppliers. Only electric heating to the compressor
body shall be employed to accelerate this process. When oil is drained from a system, it shall be carried out
safely.
11.20 TRANSPORTATION, MARKING AND STORAGE FOR UNITS
1. Transport of equipment containing flammable refrigerants
Compliance with the transport regulations
2. Marking of equipment using signs
Compliance with local regulations
3. Disposal of equipment using flammable refrigerants
Compliance with national regulations
4. Storage of equipment/appliances
The storage of equipment should be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Storage of packed (unsold) equipment
Storage package protection should be constructed such that mechanical damage to the equipment inside the
package will not cause a leak of the refrigerant charge.
The maximum number of pieces of equipment permitted to be stored together will be determined by local
regulations.
GB-28